The start was like reading an overenthusiastic teenager with no editor. Which, I guess, that means the voice was authentic but I did wish we'd cut some of the filler down a little. It got weird and cryptic and off-putting, all tell and no show.

Once it got going, it was good and decently paced. It just didn't pull me in for some reason. The awakening of Ash to social issues that didn't previously affect him felt incredibly forced. It wasn't a bad book by any stretch, but it was all a little contrived throughout, and therefore it felt exhausting and it was a struggle to make myself pick it up. I mean, it literally featured a main character who became the "center of the universe", so of course it was all a little convenient. Most authors aren't usually that overt though.

I didn't like the ...vague glamorisation of concussions. They're really serious business, and not some way to shift dimensions. It felt silly and mocking of the awful problems that multiple concussions can cause.

Shusterman is clear in the introduction to Game Changer that he has deliberately tried to include every conceivable social 'issue' into his book. At times this makes for a slightly clunky read as the next issue is introduced at times losing its way and providing a very surface examination of complicated issues. However, these niggles aside, Game Changer is an original captivating read providing multiple 'what if' scenarios reflected in the 'reboots' of Ash. Shusterman's examination of racism, sexism, homophobia,'wealthism' and its interconnectedness told through the microcosm of one High School experience provides a communal thread which will appeal to his YA audience. Highly recommended.

Unfortunately, I will no longer be reviewing this book. I like Neal Shusterman's writing, but unfortunately the plot is not for me.

I had really high hopes for this book giving the fact that Neal is an author I usually enjoy a lot! I was very interested by the plot but somehow it's this plot I had trouble with at the end.

I was hoping to have a thoughtful insight, but this book turned out to be a white privileged teen, experiencing discrimination, racism, misogyny, homophobia and only understanding and caring for it because it happened to him. I'm agree that we expect from him to be an eye-opening experience and some questions he asked himself were really interesting.

Nonetheless, I was annoyed because I think it could have been better pictured. Here, I just had a feeling of white saviorism, especially at the end.

I am really dispointed

This book had a really interesting concept and by the time I got to the end I could see where it had been going all along. For me though, it was too long. For a standalone I expected to get to the main plot of the book much quicker, but I found myself more than halfway through before I really felt like it had reached it. Good, but not great.

When I try so sum this novel up in as few words as possible, dynamic, intelligent, thought-provoking…. well I could go on and on. The thing I love about Neal’s writing is that he has this amazing ability to focus on the important things going on in these times and he shines a light on them so we can see from all angles, even the ones we’d rather not look at. He makes the reader think about not only their actions but inactions too. But it isn’t just a lesson in morality but an engrossing and exciting read too. I loved the twists and turns, these along with his enviable ability to conjure the story from the pages of the book to our imagination are what keep readers young and old hooked, right until the very end.

Game Changer wasn’t really what I was expecting going in but I really enjoyed it! The characters were interesting and fleshed out and the plot was fast paced and exciting!

I ended up not finishing 'Game Changer' as I wasn't enjoying it as much as I had hoped, so I won't be reviewing this title. I love Neal Shusterman's series a lot, but his standalones are always a hit and miss with me. Sadly this was a miss this time.

I can see what Shusterman was trying to do. But I don't think it worked so well. I think he possibly tried to take on too many topics (all important topics that need discussing) within one book.

Also having a straight white guy thinking they can understand the struggles of POC, Queer people, women etc because he spent five seconds in their shoes just doesn't sit well with me. I get it but it really shouldn't take that for people to learn. But I also understand that was probably one of the messages Shusterman was trying to say.

The victim blaming of Katie annoyed me. She was in an abusive and controlling relationship and should have been protected. But it felt at times Ash only really cared because he wanted to be with Katie and not because she deserved better and no one should be in a relationship like that.

The book itself felt dragging at times.

Neal Shusterman’s latest YA novel, Game Changer, published 09 February, 2021, was a quick read. Yet, I find it hard to review.


Why? For two opposing reasons. One, I quite liked it, because this story includes topics like racism, drug dealing, homophobia, abuse, sexism, misogyny, etc. Two, I didn’t like it, because this story includes topics like racism, drug dealing, homophobia, abuse, sexism, misogyny, etc. from a privileged white male perspective.

Ash is 17 years old. While playing football he suffers a concussion, a concussion that throws him into an alternative universe. From then on, every time he hits his head hard he’s thrown into another alternate universe. The first version of reality Ash encounters isn’t so much different from what we all know, only that stop signs are no longer red but blue. The next alternate universe though makes Ash a very privileged rich kid selling drugs. Yet the next universe makes racial segregation legal. Then in the next… you get the idea.

Our white male hero has to save the universe from destruction. He’s explaining (*cough* mansplaining *cough*) all that goes wrong in today’s society from his personal experience, his walking a mile in his friends’ shoes, so to say. Ash, at last, notices the flaws of his initial universe and wants the ever increasingly flawed alternative universes to return to what he used to be used to. He stands up to the bad things, becomes a champion of people of colour, queer people and women. He’s the white male hero/saviour. He’s special.

As much as I liked seeing current societal problems being extrapolated in alternate universes, I wish the main character had had any other flaw than being named Ashley, after a fictional male character in a racist film.

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this title in exchange for a fair and honest review**

Wow, just wow. Every time I finish a Neal Shusterman book, I feel like I've been left with a lot to think about. The Scythe series was amazing, Challenger Deep was astounding but Game Changer has really hit a new level.

I loved the Quantum Leap feel to the storyline with Ash jumping between realities, trying to put things right (and to make "the leap home") but the social commentary throughout was brutally accurate. Shusterman didn't shy away from anything - the pandemic, police brutality, racism, sexism, LBGTQ+ issues, he took them all on.

One section hit me so hard that I had to take a screeenshot:
"Was there ever a time in our history that we accepted each other as human beings? Was the line between "us" and "them" always a chasm we couldn't bridge? We vilify the difference in others; we glorify the differences in ourselves. We put "them" in a box, then create our own boxes. To define ourselves so we don't get defined. To find our tribe and defend it from the others. But that basic human need for identity is, and has always been, a double-edged sword. Because the closer to our feet we draw that line in the sand, the more we see everyone else as the enemy."

Ouch.

Another mixed review.

The writing is great in this. Conversational, fun, easy to follow and understand even when discussing some fairly esoteric concepts. That's a gift, presenting scientific concepts like this in such a simple way, and it's one not many authors have. It's a really interesting concept, too, and I loved the cleverly thought out reason why Ash can't visit too many universes; most works that tackle this idea never bother to explain why there's a limit, but this one makes wonderful sense.

However, I did feel like there was too much shoved in together. Ash learns about racism, sexism, homophobia, women in abusive relationships, drug dealers, segregation - it's a lot to try and cover, and it means that everything is only touched on quite lightly. Plus, no one seemed at all concerned that Ash was tackling so hard every single week he was basically giving himself concussions; there was no medical check, no suggestion he should sit out, apart from one week when it wasn't medically related at all.

Overall I really enjoyed this. Want-of-a-nail stories are always fascinating, and I loved seeing the different directions this one took. A great read.

Game Changer pleasantly surprised me! I wasn't sure what to expect as Neal's books tend to be a little hit and miss for me. I really enjoyed Scythe, but Unwind...not so much. Game Changer was compulsively readable, and held my attention from start to finish. It's actually the one book recently where I have wanted to just read, rather than getting distracted by absolutely anything else.

Partially, my interest was piqued because I've always had a fascination with the idea of parallel dimensions and how interesting it would be to live your life with small tweaks here and there. Game Changer takes that idea and explores it in a really interesting way. I really didn't expect it to turn into a book attempting to address some of the social injustice in society, but I personally thought it was handled very well. Although it only scratches the surface of a lot of the issues, it's always good to see things addressed in YA books, to get young people talking and thinking about it all from an early age.

I liked the gentle way the 'science' of what is happening to Ash was addressed. I'm not one for heavily detailed sci-fi, but somewhat contradictive, do like a bit of an explanation of how/what/why. I thought it was handled pretty cleverly in Game Changer, with the Edwards really helping to keep those aspects a bit lighter and injecting a little humour too. Watching Ash's personality evolve as he lived through various experiences was perhaps my favourite part of the book. He starts off almost obnoxious and unlikeable in his indifferent attitude to the world, but we gradually see him develop something of a personality, and awareness that indifference is just as bad as those creating the injustices to begin with.

This was a solid 4 star read for me, and I was pretty disappointed when it was over as I was so happy to have found a book that actually made me want to keep reading!

In his latest novel YA author Neal Shusterman tackles the idea of parallel universes, with football player Ash taking a hit on the field that changes everything. Beginning with the small difference of stop signs always having been blue rather than red, Ash quickly realises that the incident has knocked him into another world, or an Elsewhere, and from there each shift comes with much bigger changes.

Through each universe shift Ash comes up against a different issue giving him the opportunity to view the world from a new perspective and he learns about his own privilege through this experience. A wide range of topics such as race, class, sexuality, gender and abuse are covered, all connected by the parallel universe theme.

In the author’s note Shusterman refers to Ash’s experience moving through the different dimensions as a ‘crash course in racism, sexism, homophobia and privilege’ and states his hope is that his latest novel will aid in the healing of a deeply wounded society. Despite this intention the reviews for Game Changer appear to have been fairly mixed so far, with the book dividing opinions as well as sparking discussions. I’m sure that some readers will feel the wide range of topics packed into the story are just a little too much for one small book, but I also appreciated that the author chose to tackle these important issues.

I always enjoy Shusterman’s writing style as well as how he explores thought-provoking topics in unique ways. For me, the concept of Game Changer was really interesting with a lot of potential, but overall it isn’t one of my favourites from this author. Having said that, I’m still looking forward to finding out what his next idea will be.

Game Changers by Neal Shusterman was the first of his novels I’ve read, and by all accounts should not be the last – which I intend to remedy.

Ash (Ashley) Bowman is a straight, white male football player that according to the US teen films I’ve seen would be popular in his high school. Through some mighty knocks to the head, he also becomes an interdimensional traveller – a journey (mostly of discovery) that the reader joins him on.

In each dimension Ash witnesses alterations to his original timeline that affect his day to day but also society as a whole. This in turn has him considering issues, that would rarely normally affect him, through a different lens. While this story may not be quite on point for some readers given the nature of the narrator and the privilege he holds, it does provide an opportunity for those who do read it to instigate important conversations. As unfortunate as it is, Ash’s attitude towards his situation is often how things play out in real life. Until things directly affect him, or are shoved harshly in his face he’s more of the keep quiet type. And, like Ash some people think about, and more importantly act, when they or someone they know or love is facing the oppression. Opening people’s eyes to not being bystanders is a positive stance and one which I think this book is endeavouring to take.

The book touched on a number of serious topics facing the world today including but not limited to scenarios around race, gender, sexuality and partner abuse. These conversations are important, though I did wonder while reading this book if I may have preferred a more in depth look into fewer issues given how deep rooted these issues are both historically and in society today.

I think plenty of people will take something from this book.

Game Changer has such an interesting premise that hooked me in immediately. Ash is temporarily the centre of the Universe, and inadvertently jumping between dimensions. It's a weird premise, but written in a way that makes it entirely believable. From the first jump I was intrigued and entirely on board.

Unfortunately, I feel the attempt to address prejudice misses the mark. Despite the changes Ash himself goes through, he is always interpreting the world from his privileged, non-minority position. The novel tries to show Ash learning about microagressions, victim blaming etc. but by the end of it, I couldn't help feeling frustrated and like not much has changed.

Great writing, a quirky premise made believable, but it just did not resonate for me.

All it takes is one hit on the football field, and suddenly Ash’s life doesn’t look quite the way he remembers it.

I think the author really tried to tackle some key issues with this story but unfortunately, I felt as though it fell quite flat, too many issues and it was really hard to see the bigger picture of how they all linked and what the author was trying to achieve.

I think the author has the right plan and mindset but it just fell short overall.

This definitely feels like one of those books that will spark conversations and a lot of debate. And that's okay. If a book doesn't make you think or feel, or reexamine certain values in your life, then why would you even read it?

This is my first Neal Shusterman book, tho I have several of them on my shelves, waiting to be read. Even tho this is aimed more towards a younger audience, I found it quite enjoyable and thought-provoking. Let's not forget - very quotable! I literally highlighted every other page, which means, this could also be an amazing read for book clubs.

There's a lot of topics and themes tackled here, and though a lot of people will say it didn't go too in-depth, I do still appreciate these topics being covered and mentioned. We discuss racism, sexuality, gender issues, abuse, white privilege and so much more.

I would have never expected to enjoy a book that involves talking about football, but here I am, totally fine with it, and all thanks to the author's ability to make the story enjoyable for everyone!

It's a really quick read, interesting and gripping, and at times even funny. I loved this about it. But what I enjoyed the most is the idea that we need to question ourselves too and think about all these things. Sure, no author can offer solutions to these issues. But who can? I see it as a way to better understand each other, talk to each other... And I really appreciated that!

This was a really solid book. I loved the premise and the characters. It was out of my comfort zone for books which is why I didn't enjoy it as much as I could have done but I know that this will definitely be a five star read for many many people.

“Color shouldn’t matter” I was always taught - and always believed. But there’s a big difference between “shouldn’t” and “doesn’t.” Privilege is all about not seeing the gap.
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First of all let me tell you that this is not an easy book and I am not sure that everyone will like it. It made me think a lot about my behavior and it also made me feel a bit inadequate.. but we really need more books that make us understand that we are not doing enough against racism and sexism! It is very easy to identify with Ash. He is a teenager who plays football, he is funny and he thinks he is a good person, not an exceptional one but he is open minded, with black friends and no issues against other races. One day, during a game, he receives a bad blow and he finds himself in a world that is slightly different from his original one: stop signs are blue and not red. This looks like an insignificant change but the next week, with the next blow, he ends up in another alternate universe and this goes on for a bit, with more and more radical changes. In his alt-lives he experiences first handed episodes of racism and sexism and he understands that the person he was in his original world was actually blind to these acts, because if some ways to show hate are huge and open, others are subtle and may even pass unnoticed and end up becoming normal.. Like calling someone “faggot” because it makes everyone laugh or shut up a girl just because you think what you want to say is more important. Until things don’t directly involve us, we may think that they are not important, that they don’t really hurt anyone, but that’s not true. We should all exit our small comfort zone and start thinking about human kind as a whole.. our world is not perfect and it could be much much worse, but we are not empathizing enough with weaker people, everyone must be protected for who he is and for what he thinks!